Nitric Oxide-Releasing Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators: A Bifunctional Approach to Improve the Therapeutic Index

J Med Chem. 2019 Jul 25;62(14):6525-6539. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00171. Epub 2019 Jun 4.

Abstract

When using selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) in cancer therapy, adverse effects such as endothelial dysfunction have to be considered. Estrogens and, consequently, SERMs regulate the synthesis of vasoactive nitric oxide (NO). We hypothesized that a bifunctional approach combining the antagonistic action of SERMs with a targeted NO release could diminish vascular side effects. We synthesized a series of NO-releasing SERMs (NO-SERMs) and the corresponding SERMs (after NO release) derived from a triaryl olefin lead. Compounds showed antagonistic activity for ERβ (IC50(ERβ) = 0.2-2.7 μM), but no interaction with ERα. Growth of ERβ-positive breast cancer and melanoma cells was significantly decreased by treatment with SERM 5d. This antiproliferative effect was diminished by the additional release of NO by the corresponding NO-SERM 4d. Moreover, targeted release of NO by 4d counteracted the antiproliferative effect of 5d in normal vascular tissue cells. Summarizing, the therapeutic index of SERMs might be improved by this bifunctional approach.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alkenes / chemistry
  • Alkenes / pharmacology*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Estrogen Receptor alpha / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Estrogen Receptor alpha / metabolism
  • Estrogen Receptor beta / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Estrogen Receptor beta / metabolism
  • Female
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
  • Humans
  • Melanoma / drug therapy*
  • Melanoma / metabolism
  • Nitric Oxide Donors / chemistry
  • Nitric Oxide Donors / pharmacology*
  • Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators / chemistry
  • Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators / pharmacology*
  • Therapeutic Index

Substances

  • Alkenes
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Estrogen Receptor alpha
  • Estrogen Receptor beta
  • Nitric Oxide Donors
  • Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators